CVE-2005-0253 in BibORB
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php for BibORB 1.3.2, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a Delete action and .. (dot dot) sequences in the database_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0253 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the BibORB 1.3.2 web application and potentially earlier versions. This vulnerability exists in the index.php script which handles file deletion operations through a database_name parameter. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape special characters including the ".." sequences that are commonly used in directory traversal attacks. When a remote attacker submits a malicious database_name parameter containing directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs without adequate security controls, potentially allowing unauthorized file deletion operations.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates under CWE-22 which classifies it as a "Path Traversal" issue, specifically a "Directory Traversal" attack vector. The vulnerability enables an attacker to manipulate file system operations by crafting malicious input that can navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. The Delete action functionality becomes particularly dangerous when combined with directory traversal sequences, as it allows attackers to target files outside the application's intended scope. This creates a scenario where an attacker can potentially delete critical system files, application configuration files, or user data, depending on the permissions of the web application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities and represents a significant threat to system integrity and data availability. Attackers can leverage this weakness to compromise not only application data but potentially system files, leading to complete system compromise or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects web applications that store or manage database information through file-based storage mechanisms, where the application's file handling routines do not properly validate user-supplied input. This type of attack can be particularly devastating in environments where the web server process has elevated privileges, as it could enable attackers to delete system-critical files or modify application binaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0253 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that filters out special characters including "..", "\", "/", and other path traversal indicators before processing user input. Additionally, applications should employ secure coding practices such as using allowlists of permitted characters and implementing proper access controls to ensure that file operations occur within designated boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the attack vector involves manipulating file system operations through web-based inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation layers to detect and prevent such attacks, while ensuring that all affected versions of BibORB are updated to patched releases that address this specific directory traversal vulnerability.